Hi all,
I have been type 1 for 53 years and have seen huge improvements in treatments over that time. CGM (whether Freestyle or Dexcom) are in my view a huge step forward, up there with today’s modern insulins. I started using Freestyle (self funded) about 18 months ago. Since then my HbA1c has improved by around 2% (8.5 to 6.5). Studies show that reduces the likelihood of microvascular complication by around half. Why the improvement? Because I scan 25 to 30 times a day and aggressively adjust my bolus injections accordingly. Of course you can do that by finger prick - but that is not always convenient, and it works out at twice the price of Freestyle, where there is no additional cost per scan.
Of course Freestyle is not a total replacement but it does hugely reduce the need to finger prick (in my case to around 2 to 3 times per day). The readings are always within 0.5 of being in agreement.
In my view Freestyle (and other CGM brands) are a huge opportunity to improve outcomes whilst at the same time actually saving the NHS money- both short term and long term. The current situation where it is on restricted availability is misguided and certainly contrary to my experience.
Finally, the reason I was given for it not being prescribed for me was that “I am not ill enough”. Am I the only one that sees the irony in that?
Perhaps I will write a book. I think I will call it “ Catch 22”.
